Manny Pacquiao

Firstly, it became the latest in a seemingly endless number of years without the long promised super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In June, Pacquiao was defeated by Timothy Bradley in one of the worst decisions in recent memory. It was widely panned by the media and several other prominent members of the boxing community. In many eyes the decision isn't a true loss, despite what the official record reads.

Then the Pac-Man ended his 2012 campaign with an exciting, but stunning knockout defeat at the hands of his long-time rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

Unlike the Bradley fight, this one was clear and decisive. And it leaves Manny Pacquiao looking forward to next year.